Cleveland closer charged with misdemeanor possession

CLEVELAND — Cleveland Indians two-time All-Star closer Chris Perez, charged with misdemeanor possession after marijuana was mailed to his home in his dog’s name, told drug agents he had pot for personal use and pointed out two jars, according to investigative reports.

Asked about any drugs or weapons by officers who went to the Perez home Tuesday with a search warrant, “Perez responded that he had ‘personal use’ marijuana in the basement and volunteered to direct the officers to the location of it,” an investigative report said.

“He pointed out a number of items of paraphernalia along with two separate ‘mason’ jars containing a green vegetable matter suspected of being marijuana,” it said.

Police, tipped off to suspicious packages by postal inspectors, arranged a delivery Tuesday under surveillance, and Perez’s wife, Melanie, accepted two packages, the reports said.

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Melanie Perez, whose maiden name is Baum, told the undercover officer delivering the packages that they were intended for her dog, named Brody. The package was addressed to Brody Baum, postal inspectors said.

Perez, 27, and his 29-year-old wife were charged in a complaint filed Friday with misdemeanor drug possession involving just over one-third of a pound of marijuana, suburban Rocky River police said. The two have not commented. Their attorney said they would plead not guilty.

CHICAGO — Third baseman Josh Donaldson unloaded his first career grand slam in the sixth inning, and that, combined with seven strong innings from starter Jarrod Parker, enabled the Oakland Athletics to move into first place in the American League West with a 4-3 win over the Chicago White Sox.

The defending AL West champion A’s, who were last in first place on April 20 before being passed by Texas, ran their hot streak to 18 wins in 21 games.

Canseco, 48, who went public about the investigation May 22 with postings on Twitter, said he was victimized by the allegation and he wants to sue his accuser.

“She alleged I drugged her and raped her,” Canseco said. “It was an outright lie. I proved it by taking two lie detector tests. I am the victim here.”

Canseco said Friday that he took and passed polygraph tests in Dallas and Las Vegas to show he was telling the truth.

Notes

• The lawyer who helped overturn Ryan Braun’s drug suspension last year has been added to Alex Rodriguez’s legal team. David Cornwell has joined Jay Reisinger to represent Rodriguez in baseball’s drug investigation. His hiring was first reported by ESPN.

• Baltimore Orioles right fielder Nick Markakis has rejoined the team after missing two games to attend his grandmother’s funeral.

• AL Cy Young Award winner David Price has thrown his first bullpen session since being sidelined last month by a strained left triceps.

• Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander Daniel Hudson has re-torn the ligament in his right elbow, and he may need a second Tommy John reconstructive surgery.